LGBTQIA+

Throughout history, people around the world have faced violence and discrimination because of who they love, how they present themselves, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity should never lead to inequality or abuse. These artists work for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples’ rights. Collectively, they seek policies that preserve everyone’s dignity. From queer influencers and YouTubers to authors and journalists, these speakers are working for more than just tolerance.

PRESS

Our speakers get attention.

  • Why The ‘Trans Handy Ma’am’ Is Speaking Out About Housing Issues
    The queer community can face added challenges in establishing a safe space for housing. But a well-known TikTok star and trans advocate is lending her voice to the cause.
  • Actor and Activist Wilson Cruz on Advocacy, Storytelling, and Creating a Brighter Future for LGBTQ+ Youth
    For actor Wilson Cruz, telling stories onscreen and advocating for LGBTQ young people are inextricably linked.
  • Wilson Cruz On ‘The Bravest Knight’, ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ And LGBTQ Legacy Of ‘My So-Called Life’s Ricky Vasquez
    It’s been a long journey (25 years to be exact) since the days of his role as the groundbreaking Ricky Vasquez on My So-Called Life, but Wilson Cruz’s advocacy and…
  • Visionary Alliance Member
    Wilson Cruz currently stars as Dr. Hugh Culber on the 2021 GLAAD, and OUTFEST award-winning Paramount+ series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY.
  • Actor Wilson Cruz Is Still Standing Up for Queer Students
    In 1994, at 20 years old, Wilson Cruz became the first out gay actor to play an out lead character on U.S. primetime television: 15-year-old Enrique “Rickie” Vasquez on the…
  • The Advocate spoke with viral TikTok star Leo Macallan on transitioning, masculinity, and just being yourself.
    For trans men, the chance to participate in sport and exercise can be critical for mental wellbeing. We asked six of them to share their stories
FAQ's
LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for the community that includes individuals who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Genderqueer, Queer, Intersexed, Agender, and Asexual. While there are other identities within this community, the general understanding is these are persons who are not cisgender and/or who are not heterosexual.
One of the most vital issues is the challenging of heteronormativity, or the belief that heterosexuality is the preferred sexual orientation. The concept of a heterosexual “norm” has created inequality within our society, and has led to physical violence and other hate crimes. Other issues include preserving same sex marriage, ending discrimination in the workplace, and guaranteeing access to housing.
Transgender is term for persons whose gender identity or expression is different from their sex at birth. Cisgender refers to people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. Gender identity and sexual orientation are different aspects of identity. Everyone possess a gender identity and a sexual orientation, but a person’s gender does not determine a person’s sexual orientation. Transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or none of the above.
In working towards more inclusive workplaces and campuses, it is important to develop compassion and empathy for members of marginalized communities. It is only through listening and sharing experiences that we can move past our differences and provide welcome spaces to all. Understanding and acceptance is always good for business.
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